System and method for effectively implementing an electronic image manager device

ABSTRACT

A system and method for effectively implementing an electronic image manager device includes one or more input/output interfaces for bi-directionally communicating with various information sources to transfer content information that includes image data. The electronic image manager device also includes a memory device for archiving the content information, and an application program that manipulates the content information by performing various procedures such as downloading and uploading the content information, organizing and managing the content information, editing the content information, and displaying the content information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to, and claims priority in, U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/187,136, entitled “Digital Shoe Box,”filed on Mar. 6, 2000. The foregoing related application is commonlyassigned, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND SECTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to techniques for managing visualinformation, and relates more particularly to a system and method foreffectively implementing an electronic image manager device.

2. Description of the Background Art

Implementing effective methods for managing visual information is asignificant consideration for designers and manufacturers ofcontemporary electronic devices. However, effectively managing visualinformation with electronic devices may create substantial challengesfor system designers. For example, enhanced demands for increased devicefunctionality and performance may require more system processing powerand require additional hardware resources. An increase in processing orhardware requirements may also result in a corresponding detrimentaleconomic impact due to increased production costs and operationalinefficiencies.

Furthermore, enhanced device capability to perform various advancedoperations may provide additional benefits to a system user, but mayalso place increased demands on the control and management of variousdevice components. For example, an enhanced electronic device thateffectively stores, displays, and manipulates digital image data maybenefit from an efficient implementation because of the large amount andcomplexity of the digital data involved.

Due to growing demands on system resources and substantially increasingdata magnitudes, it is apparent that developing new techniques formanaging visual information is a matter of concern for relatedelectronic technologies. Therefore, for all the foregoing reasons,developing effective systems for managing visual information remains asignificant consideration for designers, manufacturers, and users ofcontemporary electronic devices.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method aredisclosed for effectively implementing an electronic image managerdevice. In one embodiment, the image manager preferably includes, but isnot limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a user interface, amemory device, a display, one or more input/output interfaces (I/Ointerfaces), and a sound module.

The CPU may be implemented to include any appropriate and compatiblemicroprocessor device that preferably executes software instructions tothereby control and manage the operation of the image manager. Thedisplay preferably may include any effective type of display technologyincluding a cathode-ray-tube monitor or a liquid-crystal display device.In certain embodiments, the display may be attached to an exteriorsurface of the image manager with a hinge mechanism to permit thedisplay to be folded against the image manager when not in use.

The I/O interfaces preferably may include one or more input and/oroutput interfaces to bi-directionally communicate with various entitiessuch as imaging devices, distributed computer networks (including theInternet), wireless communications devices, removable storage mediadevices, host computer devices, and printer devices. The image managermay utilize the I/O interfaces for any purpose, including the transferof content information that includes various types of image data.

The memory device may be implemented to include any combination ofdesired storage devices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory(ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and various types of non-volatilememory, such as floppy disks or hard disks. The memory device mayinclude mass storage capabilities for archiving various types of contentinformation. The sound module preferably may include appropriateinterfaces to support audio functionality for the image manager. Forexample, in certain embodiments, the sound module may include, but isnot limited to, an audio processing module, a power amplifier, one ormore speaker devices, and a microphone device.

The user interface preferably may include any effective means to allow asystem user to communicate with image manager. For example, the userinterface may include a keyboard device, a wireless remote controldevice, a speech-recognition module with corresponding microphone, agraphical user interface with touch-screen capability, or a selectionbutton array mounted externally on the image manager.

The image manager may also comprise application software that preferablymay include, but is not limited to, a download manager, an uploadmanager, an editing module, a data manager, and various othermiscellaneous routines. The download manager preferably may coordinatethe downloading and storing of various types of content information fromany appropriate source. For example, a camera device may capture andstore various images onto removable storage media, such as a memorystick. The download manager may then access the images on the removablestorage media and archive the images as content information in thememory device.

The upload manager preferably may control the uploading of contentinformation to various appropriate destinations. For example, the uploadmanager may provide content information to a host computer system or toa networked destination such as the Internet. The editing module maypreferably control various editing procedures for editing contentinformation. For example, the editing module may be utilized to insertvarious transitions between individual images that are stored as contentinformation.

The data manager preferably may manage content information that isarchived in the image manager. For example, the data manager may createand restructure content information into various directories and foldersto effectively organize various images from the content information. Thepresent invention thus provides an improved system and method foreffectively implementing an electronic image manager device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for one embodiment of an electronic imagemanager device, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the memory of FIG. 1, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the application softwareof FIG. 2, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the content informationof FIG. 2, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the I/O interface(s) ofFIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the display of FIG. 1,in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electronic image manager system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of method steps for utilizing an electronic imagemanager device, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an improvement in visual informationmanagement techniques. The following description is presented to enableone of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and isprovided in the context of a patent application and its requirements.Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles hereinmay be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accordedthe widest scope consistent with the principles and features describedherein.

The present invention comprises a system and method for effectivelyimplementing an electronic image manager device, and preferably includesone or more input/output interfaces for bi-directionally communicatingwith various information sources to transfer content information thatincludes image data. The electronic image manager device also includes amemory device for archiving the content information, and an applicationprogram that manipulates the content information by performing variousprocedures such as downloading and uploading the content information,organizing and managing the content information, editing the contentinformation, and displaying the content information.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram for one embodiment of anelectronic image manager device 110 is shown, in accordance with thepresent invention. In the FIG. 1 embodiment, image manager 110preferably includes, but is not limited to, a central processing unit(CPU) 112, a user interface 114, memory 116, a display 118, input/outputinterface(s) (I/O interface(s)) 120, and a sound module 124. Theforegoing components of image manager 110 may preferably be coupled to,and communicate through, a device bus 128. In alternate embodiments,image manager 110 may readily be implemented using various componentsand configurations in addition to, or instead of, those discussed inconjunction with the FIG. 1 embodiment.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, CPU 112 may be implemented to include anyappropriate and compatible microprocessor device that preferablyexecutes software instructions to thereby control and manage theoperation of image manager 110. The FIG. 1 display 118 preferably mayinclude any effective type of display technology including acathode-ray-tube monitor or a liquid-crystal display device. In certainembodiments, display 118 may be attached to an exterior surface of imagemanager 110 with a hinge mechanism to permit display 118 to be foldedagainst image manager 110 when not in use, or during transport. Display118 is further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 6.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, I/O interface(s) 120 preferably may includeone or more input and/or output interfaces to receive and/or transmitany required types of relevant information by image manager 110. I/Ointerface(s) 120 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 5.In the FIG. 1 embodiment, memory 116 may be implemented to include anycombination of desired storage devices, including, but not limited to,read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and various types ofnon-volatile memory, such as floppy disks or hard disks. The contentsand functionality of memory 116 are further discussed below inconjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3.

Sound module 124 preferably may include appropriate interfaces tosupport audio functionality for image manager 110. For example, incertain embodiments, sound module 124 may include, but is not limitedto, an audio processing module, a power amplifier, one or more speakerdevices, and a microphone device.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, user interface 114 preferably may include anyeffective means to allow a system user to communicate with image manager110. For example, user interface 114 may support a keyboard device, awireless remote control device, a speech-recognition module withcorresponding microphone, a graphical user interface with touch-screencapability, or a selection button array mounted externally on imagemanager 110. The functionality and operation of image manager 110 isfurther discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 2 through 8.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.1 memory 116 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In theFIG. 1 embodiment, memory 116 preferably includes, but is not limitedto, application software 212, an operating system 214, contentinformation 216, a function table 218, a network browser 220, and adisplay manager 222. In alternate embodiments, memory 116 may readilyinclude various other components in addition to, or instead of, thosecomponents discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 2 embodiment.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, application software 212 may include programinstructions that are preferably executed by CPU 112 (FIG. 1) to performvarious functions and operations for image manager 110. The particularnature and functionality of application software 212 preferably variesdepending upon factors such as the specific type and particular use ofthe corresponding image manager 110. The configuration and functionalityof application software 212 is further discussed below in conjunctionwith FIG. 3.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, operating system 214 preferably controls andcoordinates low-level functionality of image manager 110. Contentinformation 216 preferably includes various types of data that ispreferably archived in mass storage of memory 116. Content information216 preferably may include various types of captured image data or othertypes of information. The structure and configuration of contentinformation 216 is further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 4.Function table 218 preferably includes user-programmable functions thatimage manager 110 may perform in response to analyzing an associatedfunction identifier that may be embedded in downloaded contentinformation 216.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, network browser 220 preferably may controlbi-directional communications between image manager 110 and adistributed computing network. For example, network browser 220 mayinclude an Internet browser module to allow image manager 110 todownload or upload information to or from the Internet. In certainembodiments, image manager 110 may function as a personal server for anInternet web page, or as an image source for providing contentinformation 216 to another Internet web page. In addition, networkbrowser 220 may support communications between image manager 110 andvarious devices, nodes, or functionalities of local area networks, suchas a home network.

Display manager 222 preferably coordinates and controls the presentationof appropriate visual information on display 118 in response toinstructions from application software 212. In certain embodiments,display manager 222 and associated hardware components support ahigh-resolution display output for presentation of content information216.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.2 application software 212 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, application software 212 preferablymay include, but is not limited to, a download manager 312, an uploadmanager 316, an editing module 320, a data manager 324, andmiscellaneous routines 328. In alternate embodiments, applicationsoftware 212 may readily include various other components in additionto, or instead of, those components discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 3 embodiment.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment, download manager 312 preferably may coordinatethe downloading and storing of various types of content information 216from any appropriate source. For example, a camera device may captureand store various images onto removable storage media. Download manager312 may then access the images on the removable storage media andarchive the images as content information 216 in memory 116.

Upload manager 316 preferably may control the uploading of contentinformation 216 to various appropriate destinations. For example, uploadmanager 316 may provide content information 216 to a host computersystem or to a networked destination such as the Internet. Editingmodule 320 may preferably control various editing procedures for editingcontent information 216. For example, editing module 320 may be utilizedto insert various transitions between individual images stored ascontent information 216. Such transitions may include a fade transitionor a wipe transition.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment, data manager 324 preferably may manage contentinformation 216 that is archived in image manager 110. For example, datamanager 324 may create and restructure content information 216 intovarious directories and folders to effectively organize various imagesin content information 216. Miscellaneous routines 328 may include anydesired software instructions to facilitate functions performed by imagemanager 110. For example, miscellaneous routines 328 may include a datatransformation routine that translates a downloaded format of contentinformation 216 into an uploadable format of the same contentinformation 216 that is compatible with a selected destination.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.2 content information 216 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, contentinformation 216 may readily be implemented to include various otherconfigurations, and may also include various items and components thatare different from those discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 4embodiment.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, content information 216 preferably may includeindividual sets of data 1 (414(a)) through data N (414(c)) that eachpreferably corresponds with a specific captured image or other type ofarchived information. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, content information 216may include any desired type of information or other data that may bereceived from any information source. For example, content information216 may include image data that is encoded in any format, audio datathat is encoded in any format (such as data from a voice-note recorderor from a portable music player/recorder device), graphics data that isencoded in any format, text data that is encoded in any format, varioustypes of information stored on a memory stick or other portablenon-volatile medium, or any other type of electronically generated orelectronically captured information.

In certain embodiments, when download manager 312 discovers a new datatype during a download procedure, download manager 312 may contact aback-end service via any appropriate means (including the Internet) todownload an appropriate editing module 320 for the new data type.Therefore, editing module 320 may readily include multiple differentediting modules that each correspond to an associated data type.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, content information 216 preferably also mayinclude a descriptor 1 (412(a)) through a descriptor N (412(c)) thateach is preferably associated with a different respective set of data414. In alternate embodiments, content information 216 may be configuredto include a single descriptor 412 that describes multiple sets of data414.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, descriptors 412 may include any appropriateinformation that is related to a corresponding set of data 414. Forexample, descriptor 412 may include information regarding the nature ofthe associated data 414, such as a data format or a data type.Descriptor 412 may also include information regarding how the associateddata 414 is organized, such at a data structure or a data size. Incertain embodiments, descriptor 412 may be encoded in a format for whichunique decoding information may be accessed from an updateable source,such as the Internet, to thereby enable successful decoding of newversions of descriptors 412 or data 414.

In certain embodiments, descriptor 412 may be encoded in an specialprogramming language, such as an extensible markup language (XML), thatmay be applied to a recording medium by a data capture device, such as adigital camera, and then read and responded to by image manager 110.Content information 216 preferably also may include a time stamp that isgenerated by an imaging device or camera to indicate precisely when acorresponding set of data 414 was captured. The foregoing time stamp maybe stored in any effective location or manner, including in acorresponding descriptor 412 or set of data 414.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.1 I/O interface(s) 120 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, I/O interface(s) 120 preferably maycommunicate with various input or output entities that may include, butare not limited to, network(s) 512, a host computer 516, a cellulartelephone 520, a photographic printer 528, wireless communications 532,and removable storage media 536. I/O interface(s) 120 may preferablycommunicate with image manager 110 via device bus 128. In alternateembodiments, I/O interface(s) 120 may readily include various otherelements and functionalities in addition to, or instead of, thosediscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 5 embodiment. In addition, I/Ointerface(s) 120 may be implemented and configured using any effectivetechnology or method.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, image manager 110 may utilize I/O interface(s)120 to bi-directionally communicate with one or more network(s) 512. Forexample, image manager 110 may advantageously communicate with theInternet or other distributed computer networks to upload or downloadvarious types of content information 216.

Image manager 110 may also utilize I/O interface(s) 120 tobi-directionally communicate with a host computer 516. For example,image manager 110 may communicate with a personal computer device over aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) to effectively upload or download varioustypes of content information 216. The foregoing personal computer devicemay then be utilized to process, manipulate, and otherwise utilize thecontent information 216 from image manager 110. In the FIG. 5embodiment, image manager 110 may utilize I/O interface(s) 120 tobi-directionally communicate with a cellular telephone 520 to preferablyprovide any desired information for enabling flexible functionality ofimage manager 110.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, image manager 110 may also utilize I/Ointerface(s) 120 to bi-directionally communicate with various types ofwireless communications 532. Wireless communications 532 preferably mayinclude any effective means to remotely communicate with an externalentity such as an Internet server, to thereby exchange relevantinformation for successful operation of image manager 110. In addition,image manager 110 may utilize wireless communications 532 to downloadvarious types of content information 216 and other data from a wirelesssource such as a digital camera device or a computer. In certainembodiments, wireless communications 532 may also receive variouscontrol information from a wireless remote control device. Wirelesscommunications 532 may be implemented using any appropriate wirelesstechnology, including radio-frequency transmission, infra-redtransmission, or micro-wave transmission.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, removable storage media 536 may preferably beutilized to receive or provide any desired information for facilitatingthe operation of image manager 110. For example, removable storage media536 may provide means for bi-directional transfers of contentinformation 216 between image manager 110 and other appropriateentities, such as a digital camera device. In certain embodiments,removable storage media 536 may include memory devices to support anydesired type or combination of removable storage media. For example,removable storage media 536 may include memory sticks, flash memorydevices, compact disks, mini-disks, or floppy disks.

In certain embodiments, image manager 110 may include I/O interfaces 120supporting for a plurality of portable non-volatile memory devices thatmay preferably be implemented as memory stick devices or other similardevices. Image manager 110 may preferably also include a series ofphysical connectors to simultaneously accommodate and electricallycouple any of the foregoing plurality of portable non-volatile memorydevices to device bus 128 of image manager 110 to thereby supportbi-directional electronic communications between any one of theplurality of non-volatile memory devices and image manager 110.

In addition to the various foregoing enumerated types of I/Ointerface(s) 120, image manager 110 preferably may also include anyrequired types of interfaces or connectors (not shown) for couplingimage manager 110 and other hardware devices to support bi-directionalelectronic communications.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.1 display 118 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In theFIG. 6 embodiment, display 118 preferably comprises, but is not limitedto, a directory structure that includes content information 216, achronological folder 618, a user folder A 618, a user folder B 626, anda user folder C 630. The FIG. 6 embodiment is presented for purposes ofillustration, and in alternate embodiments, display 118 may readilyinclude various other elements in addition to, or instead of, thosediscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 6 embodiment. For example, theFIG. 6 embodiment shows only three user folders, however, the presentinvention may readily support and utilize any desired number of foldersor files that may be arranged in any desired type of directorystructure.

In the FIG. 6 example, the directory structure shown on display 118 mayinclude a representation for content information 216 that includesfurther representations for a chronological folder 618 and for userfolders A through C (622 through 630). In accordance with one embodimentof the present invention, download manager 312 of image manager 110 mayinitially download various content information 216 into chronologicalfolder 618, where download manager 312 may organize the downloadedcontent information 216 according to a time stamp that is associatedwith each image of the downloaded content information 216.

A system user may advantageously utilize data manager 324 to create andname any desired number of user folders. The system user may thensubsequently utilize data manager 324 to further organize the contentsof chronological folder 618 by selecting individual images and archivingthe selected images into an appropriate user folder. In certainembodiments of the present invention, image manager 110 preferably maysupport a high-resolution output functionality for providing enhancedimage quality for the display of content information 216 on display 118or other appropriate display device.

Image manager 110 may also utilize data manager 324, editing module 320,upload manager 316, or miscellaneous routines 328 to further manipulateand utilize the downloaded content information 216. For example, imagemanager 110 may utilize data manager 324 to move content information 216between various types of storage media, such memory 116 and varioustypes of removable storage media 536 (such as multiple memory stickdevices). Therefore, in contrast to the FIG. 6 embodiment, a displayedrepresentation of content information 216 may be alternately organizedinto various types of storage media for presentation on display 118,instead of utilizing the foregoing directory structure shown in FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a block diagram of an electronic image managersystem is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. In the FIG. 7 embodiment, the electronic image manager systempreferably includes, but is not limited to, an image manager 110, aprinter 528, a host computer 516, the Internet 712, and wirelesscommunications 532. The FIG. 7 embodiment is presented for purposes ofillustration, and in alternate embodiments of the present invention,electronic image manager systems may readily include various othercomponents or functionalities in addition to, or instead of, thosediscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 7 embodiment.

In the FIG. 7 embodiment, image manager 110 preferably may communicationwith the Internet 712 via path 720, and with host computer 516 via path714. Image manager 110 may also receive and send various types ofinformation by wireless communications 532 via antenna 718. Furthermore,image manager 110 is electrically coupled to a photographic printer 528via path 716. Image manager 110 may thus readily produce hard copies ofvarious images from content information 216 for use by a system user. Inaccordance with the present invention, image manager 110 may alsopreferably receive content information 216 from an imaging device (notshown) via various types of removable storage media.

In certain embodiments, image manager 110 or host computer 516 mayformat various types of removable storage media with appropriatedirectories for use by a compatible imaging device for organizingcontent information 216 into appropriate directories or user foldersduring the image capture process and prior to downloading the contentinformation 216 to image manager 110.

In the FIG. 7 embodiment, image manager 110 may utilize removable memorymedia 536 that contains a user-programmable identifier that applicationsoftware 312 may the associate with a given function on image manager110 to thereby automatically perform the given function. For example, asystem user may utilize network browser 220 to create and store one ormore web page templates in image manager 110. Application software 212may then identify a particular set of content information 216 byanalyzing the user-programmable identifier in the removable storagemedia 536. Application program 212 may then automatically populate theappropriate web page template with images from the downloaded contentinformation 216 to thereby produce a web page for display by networkbrowser 220.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a flowchart of method steps for utilizing anelectronic image manager device 110 is shown, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The FIG. 8 example is presented forpurposes of illustration, and, in alternate embodiments, the presentinvention may readily utilize various other steps and sequences thanthose discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 8 embodiment.

In the FIG. 8 embodiment, initially, in step 816, download manager 312in application software 212 may preferably monitor image manager 110 todetect an information download of content information 216 from anyappropriate download source. If download manager 312 detects aninformation download of content information 216, then, in step 820,download manager 312 may preferably analyze one or more descriptor(s)412 from the downloaded content information 216 to identify relevantinformation regarding the content information 216, as discussed above inconjunction with FIG. 4.

In step 824, preferably as a result of analyzing descriptor(s) 412 inforegoing step 820, download manager 312 may preferably determine anappropriate image management function to perform with regard to thedownloaded content information 216 using any appropriate means. Forexample, download manager 312 may analyze a unique function identifierthat may be embedded in downloaded content information 216. Alternately,the function identifier may be included in descriptor(s) 412 or providedin any other appropriate manner as part of a download procedure ofcontent information 216.

Image manager 110 may then responsively reference a function table 218(FIG. 2) or other resources to thereby determine an appropriateresponsive action to take with regard to the foregoing functionidentifier. In certain embodiments, function table 218 or otherresources may preferably may include various selectableuser-programmable functions that correspond to the foregoing functionidentifier. Image manager 110 may then automatically perform thedesignated image management function under the control of applicationsoftware 212.

For example, in one embodiment, application software 212 mayadvantageously create and store one or more web page templates in memory116 of image manager 110. Application software 212 may thenautomatically populate one or more of the web page templates withpre-identified images from said content information 216 in response to auser-programmable identifier from downloaded content information 216, asdiscussed above. Image manager 110 may then upload one or more of theweb page templates with appropriate images for viewing an a distributedcomputer network like the Internet or a local area network.

In alternate embodiments, image manager 110 may manipulate thedownloaded content information 216 in response to system userinstructions that are entered manually through user interface 114 afterreferencing relevant download information that may be presented byapplication software 212 on display 118. In the FIG. 8 embodiment, onedefault function may include storing the downloaded content information216 into memory 116. However, any other desired image managementfunction is equally within the scope of the present invention.

Next, in steps 828 and 832, application software 212 preferably checkswhether valid conditions currently exist for successful completion ofthe selected image management function. If valid conditions do notcurrently exist for successful completion of the selected imagemanagement function, then, in step 836, application software 212preferably generates and displays an error message to inform a systemuser that valid conditions do not currently exist for performing theselected image management function. In certain embodiments, the errormessage may include specific information that identifies the nature ofthe error and potential remedies to correct the error. The error messagefunction may time out after a pre-determined time period if invalidconditions persist.

In the FIG. 8 embodiment, if an invalid condition is discovered (such asdownload of an unsupported image type or appropriate functions are notlocally available in image manager 110), then an XML-based descriptor412 may be utilized to contact a back-end service (server) to provideappropriate updates, or inform a system user of newly-availablefunctions. The system user may then choose any number of new functions,which may be downloaded and installed in image manager 110, or which maybe accessed remotely. If an error condition still persists, then imagemanager 110 may display the foregoing error message.

In foregoing step 832, if valid conditions exist for successfulcompletion of the selected image management function, then, in step 840,application software 212 may preferably execute the selected imagemanagement function. Finally, in step 844, a system user may theneffectively utilize various functions and components of image manager110 to advantageously manipulate and use the downloaded contentinformation 216, in accordance with the present invention.

The invention has been explained above with reference to certainembodiments. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of this disclosure. For example, the present invention mayreadily be implemented using configurations and techniques other thanthose described in the embodiments above. Additionally, the presentinvention may effectively be used in conjunction with systems other thanthose described above. Therefore, these and other variations upon thediscussed embodiments are intended to be covered by the presentinvention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

1. A system for managing images with an image manager, comprising: aninformation source configured to generate content information thatincludes one or more descriptors that are user-programmable; a storagedevice of said image manager for storing said content information; andapplication software executed by a processor, said application softwarebeing configured to manage said content information in response to saidone or more descriptors to thereby manage said images, said contentinformation includes content data and said one or more descriptors, saiddescriptors each including a data format, a data type, a data structure,and a data size.
 2. A system for managing images with an image manager,comprising: an information source configured to generate contentinformation that includes one or more descriptors that areuser-programmable; a storage device of said image manager for storingsaid content information; and application software executed by aprocessor, said application software being configured to manage saidcontent information in response to said one or more descriptors tothereby manage said images, said content information includes contentdata and said one or more descriptors, said descriptors being formattedin an extensible markup language (XML) format.
 3. A system for managingimages with an image manager, comprising: an information sourceconfigured to generate content information that includes one or moredescriptors that are user-programmable; a storage device of said imagemanager for storing said content information; and application softwareexecuted by a processor, said application software being configured tomanage said content information in response to said one or moredescriptors to thereby manage said images, said image manager includinga central processing unit, a display, a memory, one or more input/outputinterfaces, and a user interface, said display including aliquid-crystal display device that is hinged to fold against an exteriorsurface of said image manager when not in use.
 4. A system for managingimages with an image manager, comprising: an information sourceconfigured to generate content information that includes one or moredescriptors that are user-programmable; a storage device of said imagemanager for storing said content information; and application softwareexecuted by a processor, said application software being configured tomanage said content information in response to said one or moredescriptors to thereby manage said images, said image manager includes acentral processing unit, a display, a memory, one or more input/outputinterfaces, and a user interface, said user interface displaying adirectory structure that represents said content information, saiddirectory structure including a chronological folder in which saidcontent information is initially organized in a chronological sequenceaccording to a time stamp embedded in each image of said contentinformation, said directory structure also including one or more userfolders into which a system user may selectively move and organize saidcontent information from said chronological folder.
 5. A system formanaging images with an image manager, comprising: an information sourceconfigured to generate content information that includes one or moredescriptors that are user-programmable; a storage device of said imagemanager for storing said content information; and application softwareexecuted by a processor, said application software being configured tomanage said content information in response to said one or moredescriptors to thereby manage said images, a download manager fromapplication software in said image manager detects an informationdownload of content information from said information source byreceiving at least one of new storage media and new content information,said download manager analyzing one or more descriptors associated withsaid content information, said application software determining an imagemanagement function for handling said content information, saidapplication program determining said image management function byanalyzing a user-programmable identifier in said content information,and then referencing a user-programmable function table in said imagemanager.
 6. A system for managing images with an image manager,comprising: an information source configured to generate contentinformation that includes one or more descriptors that areuser-programmable; a storage device of said image manager for storingsaid content information; and application software executed by aprocessor, said application software being configured to manage saidcontent information in response to said one or more descriptors tothereby manage said images, said content information including audiodata, graphics data, and text data.
 7. A system for managing images withan image manager, comprising: an information source configured togenerate content information that includes one or more descriptors thatare user-programmable; a storage device of said image manager forstoring said content information; application software executed by aprocessor, said application software being configured to manage saidcontent information in response to said one or more descriptors tothereby manage said images; and connection means for electricallycoupling multiple memory stick devices to said image manager fordownloading said content information.
 8. A method for managing imageswith an image manager, comprising the steps of: generating contentinformation from an information source, said content informationincluding one or more descriptors that are user-programmable; storingsaid content information in a storage device of said image manager; andmanaging said content information with application software executed bya processor, said application software managing said content informationin response to said one or more descriptors to thereby manage saidimages said content information includes content data and said one ormore descriptors, said descriptors each including a data format, a datatype, a data structure, and a data size.
 9. A method for managing imageswith an image manager, comprising the steps of: generating contentinformation from an information source, said content informationincluding one or more descriptors that are user-programmable; storingsaid content information in a storage device of said image manager; andmanaging said content information with application software executed bya processor, said application software managing said content informationin response to said one or more descriptors to thereby manage saidimages said content information includes content data and said one ormore descriptors, said descriptors being formatted in an extensiblemarkup language (XML) format.
 10. A method for managing images with animage manager, comprising the steps of: generating content informationfrom an information source, said content information including one ormore descriptors that are user-programmable; storing said contentinformation in a storage device of said image manager; and managing saidcontent information with application software executed by a processor,said application software managing said content information in responseto said one or more descriptors to thereby manage said images, saidimage manager including a central processing unit, a display, a memory,one or more input/output interfaces, and a user interface, said displayincluding a liquid-crystal display device that is hinged to fold againstan exterior surface of said image manager when not in use.
 11. A methodfor managing images with an image manager, comprising the steps of:generating content information from an information source, said contentinformation including one or more descriptors that areuser-programmable; storing said content information in a storage deviceof said image manager; and managing said content information withapplication software executed by a processor, said application softwaremanaging said content information in response to said one or moredescriptors to thereby manage said images, said image manager includinga central processing unit, a display, a memory, one or more input/outputinterfaces, and a user interface, said user interface displaying adirectory structure that represents said content information, saiddirectory structure including a chronological folder in which saidcontent information is initially organized in a chronological sequenceaccording to a time stamp embedded in each image of said contentinformation, said directory structure also including one or more userfolders into which a system user may selectively move and organize saidcontent information from said chronological folder.
 12. A method formanaging images with an image manager, comprising the steps of:generating content information from an information source, said contentinformation including one or more descriptors that areuser-programmable; storing said content information in a storage deviceof said image manager; and managing said content information withapplication software executed by a processor, said application softwaremanaging said content information in response to said one or moredescriptors to thereby manage said images, a download manager fromapplication software in said image manager detecting an informationdownload of content information from said information source byreceiving at least one of new storage media and new content information,said download manager analyzing one or more descriptors associated withsaid content information, said application software determining an imagemanagement function for handling said content information, saidapplication program determining said image management function byanalyzing a user-programmable identifier in said content information,and then referencing a user-programmable function table in said imagemanager.
 13. A method for managing images with an image manager,comprising the steps of: generating content information from aninformation source, said content information including one or moredescriptors that are user-programmable; storing said content informationin a storage device of said image manager; and managing said contentinformation with application software executed by a processor, saidapplication software managing said content information in response tosaid one or more descriptors to thereby manage said images, said contentinformation including audio data, graphics data, and text data.
 14. Amethod for managing images with an image manager, comprising the stepsof: generating content information from an information source, saidcontent information including one or more descriptors that areuser-programmable; storing said content information in a storage deviceof said image manager; managing said content information withapplication software executed by a processor, said application softwaremanaging said content information in response to said one or moredescriptors to thereby manage said images; and providing connectionmeans for electrically coupling multiple memory stick devices to saidimage manager for downloading said content information.
 15. A method formanaging images with an image manager, comprising the steps of:generating content information from an information source, said contentinformation including one or more descriptors that areuser-programmable; storing said content information in a storage deviceof said image manager; and managing said content information withapplication software executed by a processor, said application softwaremanaging said content information in response to said one or moredescriptors to thereby manage said images, said information sourceformatting removable storage media with appropriate directories andfolders for pre-organizing said content information before downloadingsaid content information into said image manager, said image managerstoring said content information from said appropriate directories andfolders into corresponding internal directories and folders in saidstorage device.
 16. A method for managing images with an image manager,comprising the steps of: generating content information from aninformation source, said content information including one or moredescriptors that are user-programmable; storing said content informationin a storage device of said image manager; and managing said contentinformation with application software executed by a processor, saidapplication software managing said content information in response tosaid one or more descriptors to thereby manage said images, saidapplication software creating and storing one or more web pagetemplates, and then automatically populating said one or more web pagetemplates with pre-identified images from said content information inresponse to a user-programmable identifier in said content information.17. A method for managing images with an image manager, comprising thesteps of: generating content information from an information source,said content information including one or more descriptors that areuser-programmable; storing said content information in a storage deviceof said image manager; and managing said content information withapplication software executed by a processor, said application softwaremanaging said content information in response to said one or moredescriptors to thereby manage said images, said content informationincluding a descriptor and data, said descriptor being encoded in aformat for which unique decoding information may be accessed from anupdateable source to enable successful decoding of new versions of saiddescriptor or said data.